Staying on top of record-keeping all year round can save time, reduce stress for small business owners and help to maximise your tax return.

Although record-keeping can
seem like a tedious job, it is an essential part of running a business. Good
record-keeping makes it easier to meet your tax obligations, helps to manage
your cash flow and make sound business decisions. Putting the hard work in at
the end of each financial year can get your business organised and help you
work smarter in the year ahead.

Essential business records
that must be kept include:

Expense or purchase records:

You must keep records of all
business expenses, such as receipts, tax invoices, cheque book receipts, credit
card vouchers and diaries to record small cash expenses.

Year-end records:

These records include lists
of creditors or debtors and worksheets to calculate depreciating assets,
stocktake sheets and capital gains tax records.

Income and sales records:

You must keep records of all
income and sale transactions such as tax invoices, receipt books, cash register
tapes and records of cash sales.

Bank records:

Documents such as bank
statements, loan documents and bank deposit books need to be kept in
preparation for your tax return.

Fuel tax credits:

To claim fuel tax credits for
your business, records must show that you acquired the fuel, used it in your
business, and applied the correct rate when calculating how much you are
eligible to claim.

Payments to employees and contractors:

Records of your workers need
to be kept, including tax file numbers, withholding declaration forms, contributions
to their superannuation, wages and any other payments made to them.

By law, business records must
be kept for a minimum period of five years after the record is created, updated
or the transaction is completed. Records can be kept electronically or on
paper, must be in English or in a form that can be easily converted, and
thoroughly explain all transactions. Failure to keep the correct tax records
can incur penalties from the ATO.

Need help with your business? Call our accountants and business advisors today on (02) 4926 2300 or contact us.